Lewandowski weighs bid against Gov. Ayotte amid White House pressure campaign

Corey Lewandowski Weighs Gubernatorial Bid as Trump Administration Considers Primary Challenge to Ayotte

Corey Lewandowski, a long-time confidant of former President Donald Trump, is contemplating a run for the governorship of New Hampshire. This potential bid comes as the Trump administration appears to be considering a primary opponent for GOP Governor Kelly Ayotte, who has shown reluctance to engage in redistricting efforts.

Lewandowski, who managed Trump’s 2016 campaign and has been involved in his 2024 efforts, is currently a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). When asked about the possibility of running for governor, he stated, “Governor is the only job in Politics I would ever consider giving up what I am currently doing for,” according to a text he sent to POLITICO. He did not clarify if he had conferred with the White House regarding this aspiration.

POLITICO first reported that the White House is actively contemplating a primary challenge to Ayotte, increasing pressure on her as she resists calls to reshape congressional maps in favor of the GOP’s House majority for the upcoming midterms. Neither the White House nor Ayotte’s office provided immediate comments on the situation.

Lewandowski’s significant role at DHS has caused some internal discord. Originally appointed as a special governmental employee—an unpaid position limited to 130 days of work per year—his tenure has raised eyebrows among both current and former officials regarding how he tracks his time. He is noted in some sections of the DHS website as a chief adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and is frequently seen accompanying her at various events.

Recently, POLITICO revealed that Lewandowski possesses veto power over DHS contracts and grants exceeding $100,000, although he does not sign contracts on behalf of the secretary.

Amidst the speculation regarding his gubernatorial ambitions, rumors have circulated about Lewandowski’s potential departure from the agency. An anonymous administration official suggested that he would only leave if requested by Trump or White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, adding that his exit would “dramatically change the atmosphere across DHS.”

In response to the swirling rumors, Lewandowski took to X (formerly Twitter) to quip, “I thought it only fitting today to share the words of the famous Mark Twain… ‘The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.’” He dismissed the rumors as “Fake News” and cautioned against trusting mainstream media.

A run for governor could serve as a strategic exit for Lewandowski and the Trump administration, but it’s worth noting that his previous attempts to enter statewide office—including a 2020 challenge against Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen—did not gain traction within New Hampshire’s Republican establishment. In fact, he had previously considered a gubernatorial run in 2022 as well.

The reception of his latest considerations has been mixed. Joshua Whitehouse, a former collaborator from Trump’s 2016 campaign, believes “Corey would be an excellent” choice for governor and an “embodiment of the Live Free or Die State.” Conversely, some political consultants in the state are skeptical, stating, “He’s obviously a smart guy, so he throws his name in there just to get headlines. But in the end, he’s not going to do it because he knows he can’t win.”

While Lewandowski could fulfill a MAGA narrative for the White House, he also carries personal controversies, including being removed from a prominent position in a pro-Trump super PAC due to allegations of unwanted advances towards a GOP donor’s wife, as well as a subsequent misdemeanor battery charge for which he reached a deal with prosecutors.

However, the White House may be limited in its options. Alongside Lewandowski, other potential candidates like businessperson Anthony DiLorenzo, who is targeting Rep. Chris Pappas’ seat, and former Rep. Frank Guinta have been mentioned. A source close to Guinta indicated he is not keen on challenging a sitting Republican, while DiLorenzo is “seriously considering” entering the race for the 1st District.

Other prospective gubernatorial contenders, such as state Senator Dan Innis, who recently concluded his campaign for the Senate seat Shaheen is vacating, have ruled out the possibility. Don Bolduc, the GOP candidate for Senate in 2022, expressed full support for Ayotte’s stance on redistricting and stated he had not been approached by the White House. Chuck Morse, who lost to Ayotte in last year’s gubernatorial primary by nearly 30 points, did not respond to inquiries.

Ayotte has remained resolute against the White House’s pressure regarding redistricting, maintaining that “the timing is off” and that the Trump administration’s aggressive tactics will not sway her decision. Her office also did not respond to requests for comment.

Bruce Breton, an ally of Ayotte and co-chair of Trump’s 2024 campaign in New Hampshire, remarked that the governor is “helping the president all the time,” but also noted that her plate is quite full. New Hampshire House Majority Leader Jason Osborne suggested that “if he wants something from [Ayotte], carrots are far more effective than sticks.”

Some GOP legislators have expressed interest in pursuing a new congressional map after the previous attempts were vetoed by then-Governor Chris Sununu in 2022. However, other Republicans prefer to focus on the upcoming Senate race. They believe that they can successfully contest the open House district currently held by Rep. Chris Pappas without needing to redraw the maps.

“We intend to win in CD1 the way it is right now,” asserted Chris Ager, the former chair of the state GOP. “It’s not unwinnable the way it is now.” Meanwhile, GOP power players in New Hampshire have downplayed Ayotte’s perceived vulnerabilities, labeling the notion of a primary challenge as “quixotic” and devoid of merit.

“It’s a fool’s folly,” remarked former state Representative Gene Chandler.

Andrew Howard contributed to this report.